New Zealand scrum-half Piri Weepu will be fit for the Tri-Nations finale against Australia on Saturday.

Weepu had been a doubt after straining a thigh muscle on Wednesday but was declared fit on Friday.

Leon MacDonald's availability - he has been nursing a hip injury - will be re-assessed on Saturday.

The All Blacks have made two changes for the match in Auckland, with Sione Lauaki and Doug Howlett both coming into the side.

They replace Jerry Collins at blind-side and Rico Gear on the wing respectively.

"We thought the fresh player would be a good option this week," said All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

"Doug has played some outstanding rugby for Auckland recently, while Rico has played virtually every Super 12 and Test match since mid-February."

Lauaki, 24, comes in for Collins, who was suspended for two weeks for punching during the match against South Africa.

"Jerry has had an outstanding international season. It's disappointing he can't finish it," added Henry.

"It was a logical selection. Sione Lauaki's been in the squad right through, he's been on the bench a lot and he'll be dying for an opportunity."

The All Blacks still face an anxious wait over fly-half MacDonald, who has at lest resumed training.

MacDonald was moved from full-back to fly-half after Dan Carter broke his leg in the first match against the Wallabies.

If MacDonald is ruled out, Luke McAlister would move off the bench into the starting side with Brent Ward, who has been brought in, joining the reserves.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina; Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga (captain), Aaron Mauger, Joe Rokocoko; Leon MacDonald, Piri Weepu; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Ali Williams, Sione Lauaki, Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo.
Replacements: Derren Witcombe, Greg Somerville, James Ryan, Marty Holah, Kevin Senio, Luke McAlister, Conrad Smith.